Titanic - Remembering...


The year was 1912...early spring....a young Mother with 4 little children is preparing to leave her home in Europe to meet her husband in Canada.....he had gone on a year earlier to begin breaking land and build a home on the homestead provided by the Canadian government in a place with a very foreign sounding name...Saskatchewan...her father-in-law was traveling with her, to help with the children...
She planned to leave in March, in time for the spring thaw in her new country...she'd be able to plant a garden....she contacted an agent who arranged passages, and is told that a big new ship would be sailing in March, and there would be lots of parties on it's maiden voyage...she laughs at that idea...not too much partying to be done with 4 small kids!...
However, the maiden departure of the ship was delayed...there was a collision of a White Star sister ship, the Olympic, with a Royal Navy cruiser Hawke, and workers were diverted to deal with those repairs...the new date for departure of the Titanic was April, instead of March, so there was a change and their passage was arranged on the Ascania, a much smaller ship, and off they sailed in March, 1912...she was very seasick on the voyage and thinking it was a sickness unto death, asked the captain what would become of her if she died...."Throw you overboard, Ma'm" was the reply...she didn't, and they arrived safely in Canada.
The young Mom was my Grandmother...what a lady she was! She and my Grandpa raised 10 children, and welcomed many visitors to their humble home. I  think that had she sailed on the Titanic, she likely would not have survived, as they would have been in third class where statistics say the survival rate was very low. (I hate seeing the part in the movie when the gates to the lower decks were locked!!)
Today Sandi is hosting a special Titanic tea, and I am choosing to participate in memory of my Grandma.
 Grandma's shawl is on a chair in the background. The nickel Ray-O-Vac lamp they used is on the table.

 I made some scones, and I'll serve them with a slice of Irish Dubliner cheese.After all, Titanic had ties to Ireland.. we will also have strawberry jam (my Grandma always used wild strawberries for her jam..)
 The gold and ivory teapot, cream and sugar, and tray are wedding gifts my Mom received  in 1937.

Please join Sandi to see what others have prepared for today's Tea on the Titanic.

Comments

Oh Millie,
what a wonderful post. What a luck, your Grandmother did not get the voyage at the Titanic. Isn't it amazing that some difficulties develope as a luck later? This tea time is so great with the stunning china of your Mom and the amazing shawl of your Grandmom. Those items are so beautiful and held pricious memories. Thank you so much for sharing them with us.
Best greetings, Johanna
What an amazing story and history of your family! Your special tea dedication is such a beautiful thing to do! I'm sure she's is proudly watching over you!
What a wonderful post. I so appreciate your sharing your family's link to Titanic. Fascinating reading! Thanks for visiting!
Cheers!
R
Beth said…
Hi Millie, Your tea set is stunning! It was so interesting to hear about your grandmother and how circumstnce played a role in her not being on the Titanic. I think it's a God-thing.
Blessings, Beth
Denise said…
Oh MY! What a story.Amazing.I loved my visit and seeing Your Mom and Grandma's pretty belongings-Thank you,Your new follower, Denise
Hello Millie,
What a wonderful story! It is truly a blessing that your dear grandmother sailed on the other ship instead of Titanic!
Your mother's china is just beautiful and I thank you for sharing your grandmother's story which was definitely a God-thing. Enjoy your week.

Blessings,
Sandi
Bonnie said…
Thanks, Millie for sharing this story. So many lives connected to the remembering of this 100th year anniversary! ~ Bonnie
Bev said…
I love that story and I also love that teaset of great grandma's. I remember going to visit them, but because I couldn't speak ukrainian, as a little girl it was hard to visit with them. I do remember having tea there, crabapples from their orchard and candy from great grandpa.
Bev
FABBY'S LIVING said…
Oh Millie dear, what a story of your grandmother! Beautiful post and so close to the Titanic and I am so glad your grandma didn't take the ship to Canada. Your tea set is stunning, along with the lovely shawl from your dear grandmother..such family treasures you have. Thank you for sharing and enjoy your Sunday tea. Have a sweet week.
FABBY
Anonymous said…
I know you put a lot of work in this post and I thoroughly enjoyed it, Millie. Lovely shawl and lamp of your grandmother's and the tea set of your mom's is the prettiest I've seen!
Thank you so much for the info on Father Browne. I have wondered, looked and din't find any further info. Thanks so much for taking the time to find it for me! I am so appreciative!
Cheers!
R
Cindy said…
What a great story, Millie. I'm sure glad your grandma got passage on the ship that sailed in March. It's so nice to have you for a friend.
Hugs, Cindy
Pamela Gordon said…
What a wonderful post Millie. I'm so glad your grandmother had a safe passage and now you are here to retell it. Beautiful! Blessings, Pamela
WELL DONE!!

Your tea - and the memorable testimony about your grandparents was very special.

I really enjoyed your tea, thank you!
Donna Heber said…
Hi Millie,

I truly enjoyed your post this week in honor of the Titanic. What a touching story about your grandmother. I believe all things happen for a reason. Thank you for sharing your story with us and your tea table is gorgeous!
Bridget said…
Hello this is my first visit and I so enjoyed seeing your Grandmothers lovely belongings and reading her amazing story. what a blessed thing she didn't sail on the Titanic. your Mothers tea setting is gorgeous also.

Bridget xo
Tea in Texas said…
It is amazing that your Grandmother and her family's passage was changed to the Ascania in March instead of sailing on the Titanic in April. You must have many different feelings when you see the movie. I love your tea set and the inherited treasures from your Grandmother. Thank you for telling us the wonderful ending and how fortunate your family was. Pam
Your family history is amazing! Thank you for sharing such a beautiful story and all those treasures!
Blessings, Wendy

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